Describes "Take Five," a group brainstorming activity that can be adapted to different time constraints, numbers of participants, and types of participants. Gives examples of uses to which the technique can be put. (SK)

The author highlights the enormity of waste due to ineffective business meetings, and describes techniques behavioral scientists have developed to cope with this perennial problem. A case study dramatizes how the techniques are applied. (Author)

After pointing out that the concept of competition lies at the roots of our economic system, the author points out that competition is not always a good thing. (Editor)

Self-directed teams (SDTs) are small groups of employees responsible for an entire work process or segment, expected by some to be the workplace wave of the future in terms of organization and peak performance. SDTs work to improve their operation or product, plan and control their work, and handle day-to-day problems. (JOW)

Discusses the role of teamwork in an American corporation: the role of team leadership in problem solving, training, and facilitating team interaction; showing team achievement to gain management support; commitment to the individual; shared leadership; and reward systems. (CT)

HRD (human resources development) is tackled by the author, who argues against HRD's psychological construct; the assumption that for every problem, there is a theoretical and workable solution; teamwork as opposed to individualism; listening as a discrete skill; if it's Japanese, it's better; and HRD's theory of leadership. (CT)

Describes an Employee Participation Plan (EPP) involving teams of three to eight employees and a supervisor/team leader for the purpose of identifying and solving production problems and issues. Key ingredients in a successful EPP include nonauthoritarian leadership styles, thorough group leader training, and prompt action on team suggestions. (SK)